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Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) and DreamKreator Studio’s Rhonda Love have partnered to host a free community art workshop on March 23, 2024. The workshop will be held from 2pm–4:30pm at MHALA’s Integrated Service Center in Long Beach. In addition to art, food, and music, participants can engage in conversations on such topics as COVID, climate change, and social justice.  

“People have a lot on their minds, and art is a great way to express it,” said Luther Richert, MHALA’s chief service officer, South County. “This workshop can provide an outlet for some of the burden and weight people are carrying, and provide a great opportunity to creatively elevate the voices of the members we serve.” 

MHALA and Love were partnered through a California Creative Corps program grant from the Arts Council for Long Beach. As part of the grant, Love will also host an art exhibit later this year called “The Social Pivot” in collaboration with MHALA members. The exhibit will explore the complexities arising from the impacts of environmental change, a global health crisis, and issues related to fairness and equality through an interactive presentation. 

“When you look at who is going to be impacted first and most by climate change, it’s the population that MHALA serves,” Love said. “Art provides a vehicle to freely express those experiences, and that’s really important.” 

“It’s great to have an artist channeling our message because they have a different language and new and fresh ways of saying things,” Richert said. 

Seating for the March workshop is limited. RSVPs are required at bit.ly/lovemhala. 

This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency.